Parmenter Missions - Saying Goodbye to mom

Is it really only the middle of January? Is it possible that only four months to the day after my father passed away (16-Sep) that my mother also passed into eternity (16-Jan). In less than one year a father-in-law, father, and mother. I can feel myself unraveling like a ball of yarn.

I thank God that all three are Christians and even now are in the physical presence of our Lord Jesus Christ enjoying themselves. I have no clue what heaven will be like, but I am convinced that the same God who created the vast universe, kissing, and the ingredients that become chocolate bars has put just as much creative genius into our eternal home.

However, I am sitting in my parents earthly home in LaGrange, IN. It's almost like a shrine to their memory. I spent an hour wandering around by myself looking at pictures, trinkets, and the stuff that they left lying around as they went about the business of living. I kept hoping they might be around a corner sitting quietly or call out to me from another room, but I know they are not.

They can never come to me again. There will come a day when I will physically die and go into the eternal presence of Jesus Christ. On that day I will be reunited with my mother, father, and other believers who have proceeded me in death. In that day we will rejoice, and talk, and laugh....

It's the separation between us and the waiting that swells the aching in my heart.

So, everything in life comes to a halt. Time seems to stretch and slow and flow around me as so many others go about their daily lives, but for me and my family nothing else matters. Remembering, laughing, weeping, and honoring are our only purpose right now. I wish that I could visit each of you and tell you how my mother overcame adversity in childhood and spent her life raising a family of eight. How she helped others, and saved lives, as a nurse. I could spend more time telling you about her Christian faith, passionate disposition, and gentle spirit. For now it is enough to say that I owe her my Christian faith for it is she who led me to Christ. What can I say to honor her more.

Somehow next week we will get back into the business of educating our children, earning an income, raising support for the mission field, preaching the Word, and teaching others.

In all this, we continue to trust God's goodness and timing.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Adam on behalf of Marge and the kids.